The Cowboys need to be all over this.
The Dallas Cowboys only interviewed for candidates for their head coaching vacancy after they decided to part ways with Mike McCarthy.
That sham of a process is largely why the fan base was hesitant for Dallas to pull the plug on McCarthy.
They knew the Joneses wouldn’t conduct a proper search.
When all was said and done, the team didn’t even bother interviewing top candidates Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.
Of the four candidates the Cowboy interviewed, they were familiar with two (Brian Schottenheimer and Kellen Moore), one hadn’t been a head coach in 12 years (Leslie Frazier) and one just compiled a 20-36 record in three-plus years as a first-time head coach (Robert Saleh).
It wasn’t revealed until after Schottenheimer got the job that Dallas had interest in Mike Vrabel, who was hired by the Patriots.
The only problem?
Vrabel was the first candidate to come off the board and the hire happened while the Cowboys were still mulling McCarthy’s future.
That really hammers home how unserious the process was, but we digress.
Schottenheimer looks the part of a strong hire early on and Vrabel has just handed him a dream trade target to help him hit the ground running in year one.
Cowboys coaching candidate Mike Vrabel makes DT Davon Godchaux available for trade
With the defensive-minded Vrabel installing a new scheme, the Patriots have given defensive tackle Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The insider added that New England has been in contact with interested teams so this could resolve itself sooner rather than later.
The #Patriots have given DT Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade, sources say.
There has been contact with interested teams, and the veteran is likely on the move given the team’s defensive scheme shift. pic.twitter.com/yMLiwkTWhQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
Simply put, Dallas better be one of the interested teams.
As a run-stuffing defensive tackle, Godchaux would be a perfect complement to stud three-technique Osa Odighizuwa, who is among the best pass-rushing DTs in football.
The Cowboys are working to re-sign Odighizuwa, an impending free agent, after he led all interior defenders with 14 quarterback hits last season.
Godchaux is excellent at collapsing the pocket and plugging gaps against the run. It’s game over when he gets his hands on a ball-carrier.
According to Next Gen Stats, Godchaux converted 94.4% of his tackle opportunities in 2024, the second-highest rate at the position.
A former fifth-round pick of the Dolphins who turns 31 in November, Godchaux is under contract through the 2026 season. He has a palatable cap hit of $8.33 million next season followed by a tidy $11.83 number the following year.
Given Godchaux’ age and that the Patriots are eager to shop him, he can likely be had for as little as a fifth-round pick. Wouldn’t you know, the Cowboys have three fifths this year.
Even if Vrabel wants a fifth and a seventh Dallas should not balk.
Godchaux would represent a distinct upgrade over Mazi Smith, who is currently the only true nose tackle on the roster with NFL experience. While Smith improved in year two, his performance was nothing to write home about.
The Cowboys would be foolish not to be all over this.